Prior Center earns LEED Silver certification

The David J. Prior Convocation Center
at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise has been awarded LEED Silver
certification by the United States Green Building Council.

The Prior Center is the second LEED
certified building on the UVa-Wise campus. The Leonard Sandridge Science Center
earned LEED Platinum certification.

The LEED program, an initiative of the
USGBC, stands for leadership in energy and environmental design, and focuses on
encouraging a sustainable approach to building design, construction and
operation. The LEED program has five main categories in which points toward
certification may be earned for new construction and major renovations.

“UVa-Wise has a deep commitment to responsible
design, construction and renovation,” Chancellor Donna P. Henry said. “An
important part of the commitment is to plan and construct facilities that
ensure the sustainability of the campus physical plant. Quality planning is
especially critical as our College continues its transformation toward new and
renovated buildings and facilities that will improve the overall campus
experience.”

The Prior Center, which seats 3,000 for
sporting events and more for concerts and other events, is the largest single
capital project in the College’s history. The architect for the building was
VMDO Architects from Charlottesville, Va. The contractor was Quesenberry’s
Inc., of Big Stone Gap, Va.